Field as a classroom

Berrien coach teaches more than winning

Berrien coach teaches more than winning

July 02, 2006|BOB OPPENHEIM Tribune Staff Writer

Berrien Springs High School baseball coach John Donley isn't finished when the final out is recorded in a game. Win or lose, a common scene after a game is Donley talking to his squad out in the outfield for several minutes. It's time that Donley relishes. "I love high school kids," said the 48-year old Donley. "They're fascinating and interesting." Whether it's coaching baseball or in the classroom instructing high school kids, Donley excels at teaching. Berrien Springs' baseball program has reaped the benefits of Donley's teachings. With his 20 teams at Berrien Springs, Donley has compiled a 441-206 record with five district championships, four regional championships, four Final Fours and two state titles. The latest state title came this year with the Shamrocks beating Michigan Center, 10-3, to claim the Division 3 state championship. For leading Berrien Springs High School to its third baseball state championship, Donley has been chosen as the Tribune's Michigan High School Coach of the Year for a male sport. "It's starting to soak in," Donley said. "People have been so wonderful. I've gotten numerous calls from alumni all the way to 1984. That's been great." Donley believes in tradition and hasn't forgotten about the past players and coaches that made the Berrien Springs baseball program successful. "We've tried to foster the idea that it's the alumni's program," Donley said. Donley is quick to praise people like former Berrien Springs baseball coach Dan Wright, who led the Shamrocks to the state crown in 1984. Wright, who lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan, drove 11 hours to attend the state championship game on June 17. "I lucked into a good situation here," Donley said. Donley molded a talented 2006 squad with high expectations into a state title contender. "I had the normal anxiety of playing in a single elimination baseball tournament," Donley said. "As far as the team being ready (for the state tournament) we did a great job of building as the year went on. We had teams in the past that peaked too early and we did a poor job of getting them ready for the state tournament. "For this team, everything went smooth. Our theme was that if went out and played as good as we could we'll win. "I think it will be awhile before I have a team this deep and talented. We played during the course of the season 11 kids regularly." Shelby Wood was part of the Shamrocks deep pitching staff. He doesn't hide his appreciation of Donley. "Oh man," said Wood. "He's one of the best baseball coaches in the country. He knows everything that you want to know about baseball. "Besides baseball, too, he's awesome. He helps you out all the time." Wood learned early during his freshman year about Donley's high standards. "I was scared of him at first when I first came up to varsity," Wood said. "He's one of the strictest coaches I've ever had. He expects the best out of you all the time. When you mess up you'll hear from him. He'll let you know that you're good enough to make a play." But Wood never doubted his ability to cope with Donley. "I knew I could handle it," Wood said. "It was nice to be around him the last couple of years." Donley feels there are unsung members of the Berrien Springs baseball program that deserve praise for their hard work. Assistant coaches Dean Garcia, Steve Spenner, Don Marks, Mark Jackson and Paul Toliver have been valuable contributors to the program. "Those coaches laugh at me and say that I'm not a coach, but a manager," Donley said. "To have quality guys like that with so much experience is huge. No way can we be this successful without those guys." Donley will take special memories from this year's team, anxiously awaiting to get next year started and a possible repeat title. "I'll be in withdrawal a little bit," Donley said about his mood after the season. "The hardest part of ending of season, whether it's the first game of districts or the last game of the state finals, is not going to practice and being with the guys. I really enjoyed this group." Staff writer Bob Oppenheim: roppenheim@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6151